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January 15, 2010
Adding Their Two Cents…And Then Some
The Governor proposed his 2010-11 Budget plan on Monday afternoon, but even before the proposal, there was controversy. Assemblyman Chuck DeVore released his proposal last week that would fill $16 billion dollars of the near $21 billion dollar budget deficit, mainly by drilling off the coast. The Governor did not mention off-shore drilling when introducing his budget. Instead he focused on federal relief funding and the state pushing for more… $8 billion dollars to be exact. The Legislative Analyst Office (LAO) of California stated in their Budget Analysis that the Governor’s expectations are “way too high.” Instead, the LAO thought the Legislature should anticipate about half that. The Governor did not continue furloughs for state workers, as predicted. The LAO urged the Legislature to seek long-term budget solutions, unlike last year’s “one-time” budget resolutions. Governor Schwarzenegger proposed deep cuts to health care, education, and state employee paychecks. But it won’t be easy. Democrats have already come back with tax raising revenue, like Assemblyman Torrico’s (D-20) AB 656, which adds a 12.5% tax on oil and natural gas extraction.
Let the battle begin.
AB 118 News
Late last week, the CFRW Voting Body took a vote to SUPPORT Assemblyman Logue’s (R-3) AB 118. This bill would’ve suspended AB 32 (2006) until California could economically handle the strict environmental regulations AB 32 imposes on businesses. The law would have made sure that our unemployment was at 5.5% for four consecutive quarters, before AB 32 regulations could be implemented by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). When AB 32 was passed, unemployment was at 4.8%, instead of the staggering 12% it is at today. Your CFRW Advocate testified for our support in the Natural Resources Committee meeting on Monday in hopes the bill would pass through to Appropriations. Unfortunately, the bill failed 6-3. CFRW applauds Assemblyman Logue for his foresight in created such fiscally responsible legislation. But don’t worry; the battle against AB 32 is not over yet. Assemblyman Logue and Congressman Tom McClintock (R-4) are working on a similar initiative to suspend AB 32. Stay tuned!
Legalizing Marijuana: The Pot Bill
It looks like marijuana may soon be available legally, other than for medical purposes. Assemblyman Tom Ammiano (D-13) authored AB 390, which would legalize marijuana for persons over 21, and it would be regulated by the Department of Alcoholic Beverages. The bill would create a state license for the commercial cultivation and sale of marijuana, much like liquor licenses. The bill won’t be heard by the Assembly in time for an official vote, but Ammiano can reintroduce the bill after January 23rd. The State Board of Equalization stated this week that the state could gain $1 billion dollars from new pot taxes, but took no position either way. Whether or not this legislation is heard again, there may be a November ballot initiative to be considered by Secretary of State Debra Bowen on the matter called the “Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010.”
Disclaimer: The Capitol Update is an activity of the CFRW Advocate's Office. The update is for information only. CFRW official positions on legislation are stated immediately preceding the stated legislation or immediately following the stated legislation in this report.
California Federation of Republican Women
Mariann Hedstrom, President
Palm Desert, Indian Wells,
Bermuda Dunes, Thousand Palms,
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